Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 31016, Balaam Ezell, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va
Ezell, Balaam
S 31 016
CONTENTS

7354 Kentucky
Balaam Ozell
Trigg Co in the State of Kentucky who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Jenkins of the Regt commanded by Genl Nelson in the Virginia line for 7 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky at the rate of 23 Dollars 33 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 day of April 1833 and Southwayman Brown Gadig T Trigg Co Kentucky
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $ 46.66 Pemi-anl. allowance ending Sept 11.66 $58.32
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Daniel Boyd Clerk, Book 8 Vol. 1 Page 8
Date of death not on A.13

Commonwealth of Kentucky Fleming County. 3 d Feb.
On this day personally appeared in open court before the Justices of our Worshipful County Court for the County of Fleming aforesaid, now sitting, Richard Ezell, a resident of said County of Fleming and state of Kentucky, aged seventy six years, on the 14 th day of October next, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed 7 th June 1832: "That he was born in the County of Sussex in the state of Virginia on the 14 th day of October, 1756, and continued to reside in said County until some time after the termination of the Revolutionary War. That in that County he entered the service of the United States in the month of October, 1776, after the completion of the 20 th year of his age, as a volunteer under Captain Gray Jenkins and Lieutenant Warman Webb, who commanded the Company in which he was marched to Little York, the Company in which he was marched through Williamburg distant 80 or 90 miles, passing through Williamburg crossing James River at Jones Town, and going through the City of South Hackton, Isle of Wight, & Kincymand to Little York his Company joined the regular Continental Troops under the command of General Nelson, at which place General Washington had the direction of the entrenchments, and under him, in the construction of said entrenchments he, said Ezell, laboured for some time, - and that in this his first tour he served three months; during which time the British frequently moved from their vessels, and committed sundry depredations, but he was not in any skirmish with them, nor was there any battle fought."
In the month of September, 1777, he was again marched, as a volunteer, from his native County, to Little York, under the same officers who commanded him the first time, namely, Captain Jenkins and Lieutenant Webb; the Troops at Little York, were during this as in his first tour commanded by General Nelson. In this same tour he also served three months, employed in keeping guard, and working in the entrenchments and fortifications; at the expiration of which time, he was marched back to Sussex County, there

having been no fighting this trip, the British being employed as before, in occasionally raiding and committing waste &c.
In the month of April 1781, he said Ezell, was marched, as a volunteer, under his name Captain of Lieutenant, to Smithfield, distant about eighty miles from Sussex, in expectancy of a battle with the British, which battle did not however take place. The troops, and he among them, were here regularly discharged, on the Saturday before the second Sunday in May, 1781, after having been kept in service something more than a month; General Nelson having commanded — "His three tours, making over seven months service, rendered by him, said Ezell —
"He states that he never received any written discharge; that he removed from Sussex County, Virginia after the conclusion of the war, to Brunswick County Virginia, where he lived about seven years; he then removed to Rockdenbury County, Virginia, where he resided about fourteen years; and from thence came to this County of Fraz. Kentucky, where he has lived ever since, and that he knows of no living witness by whom he can prove his revolutionary service.
"He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in the United States — Sworn and subscribed to this 17th day of September, 1832.
Isaac Ezell
Levi Lancaster
Eldest and presiding Justice of Fraz. County Court.

11522
Balaam Ezell
Kentucky
from 1776 private 7 months.
$23 33 / 100
Wayman Crow Cadiz Foss County Ky

BRIEF in the case of Palsam Ezell County of Trigg — in the State of Kentucky (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 76 about  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     Vac In 1776 3 private Gen. Nelson, Steuben   1777 3 " Capt. Ludkins & Webb   1781 over 1 "  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? None  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Supser County Va.  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? traditional  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? correct 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Chas. Wharrest Examining Clerk.

May 6, 1939
BA-J/AWF Balaam Ezell S. 31016
Mrs. H. A. Pulliam 1170 Oxford Place Schenectady, New York
Dear Madam:
The record of Balaam Ezell which follows was obtained from papers on file in claim for pension, S. 31016, based upon his service in the War of the Revolution.
Balaam Ezell was born October 7, 1756, in Sussex County, Virginia. The names of his parents are not given.
While a resident of Sussex County, Virginia, Balaam Ezell enlisted and served as a private in Captain Gray Judkins' company of Virginia troops, as follows:
From sometime in October, 1776, three months; from sometime in September, 1777, three months; from sometime in April, 1781 a little more than one month.
Balaam Ezell moved after the close of the Revolution, from Sussex County, to Brunswick County, Virginia, where he lived about seven years, then to Mecklenburg County, Virginia, lived about fourteen years, and thence to Trigg County, Kentucky.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 17, 1832, then a resident of Trigg

0215-00010 County, Kentucky.
There are no discernible family data in the papers on file in this claim.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and furnish the following data:
Balaam Ezell Certificate #7354 Issued April 2, 1833 Rate $23.33 per annum Commenced March 4, 1831 Act of June 7, 1832 Kentucky Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

May 6, 1939
This comes belongs in
Mrs. H. A. Pulliam 1170 Oxford Place Schenectady, New York
BA-J/AWF Joel Cohoon--W.8576 Balaam Ezell--S.31016
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your request for information in regard to the following soldiers of the Revolution, of Trigg County, Kentucky, as found in the Report of the Secretary of War, in 1835:
Russel Curtis, Joel Cohoon, Balaam Ezell, John Grasty, Miles Hollowell, Absalom Humphreys, William Johnson, Charles Kennedy, John Mabry, and Philip Smith.
Because of the great demand for Revolutionary War data and the limited trained clerical force available for furnishing such information, it is not possible to comply in full with each request which requires so much time and research.
You are furnished herewith the Revolutionary War records of Joel Cohoon, and Balaam Ezell.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator
See her request in Vol Cohoon - W. 8576

April 25, 1933
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Balaam Ezell-S.31016 BA-J/AWF
Hon. William E. Borah United States Senate Washington, D. O.
My dear Senator:
Reference is made to your letter of April 19, in behalf of Miss Betty Ezell of Boise, Idaho, who requests the Revolutionary War record of Balaam Ezell, and that of the grandfather of William Campbell, son of David.
Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims for pension and bounty land, which have been made to the United States, based upon service in that war.
The surname Campbell is shown many times on said records. Without the full name of the Revolutionary War soldier, with that surname, it is not possible to identify any particular record. There is no general genealogical data on file to enable one to trace ancestral lines.
The record of Balaam Ezell is given below as found in the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 31016, based upon his service in that war.
Balaam Ezell born October 7, 1756 in Sussex County, Virginia; the names of his parents are not stated.
Balaam Ezell enlisted, while residing in said Sussex County, and served as a private in Captain Gray Judkins' company of Virginia troops as follows: from in October, 1776 three months; from in September,

1777 three months; from in April, 1781 a little more than one month.
After the Revolution the soldier, Balaam Ezell, moved to Brunswick County, Virginia, where he lived about seven years, then to Mecklenburg County, Virginia, where he lived about fourteen years, and thence to Trigg County, Kentucky.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 17, 1832, then a resident of Trigg County, Kentucky.
There are no data relative to his family, in this claim.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address to whom sent, and possibly the date of death of the above noted pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D. C., citing all of the following data-
Balaam Ezell Certificate No. 7354 Issued April 2, 1833 Rate $23.33 per annum To commence March 4, 1831 Act of June 7, 1832 Kentucky Agency.
The letter of Miss Betty Ezell is returned herewith.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

115-00000 March 13, 1933
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Balaam Ezell-S.31016 BA-J/AWF
Mrs. Ottis Green 288 Montford Avenue Asheville, North Carolina
Dear Madam:
The data given herein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 31016, based upon the Revolutionary War service of Balaam Ezell.
He was born October 7, 1756 in Sussex County, Virginia; the names of his parents are not stated.
Balaam Ezell enlisted, while residing in said Sussex County, and served as a private in Captain Gray Judkins' company of Virginia troops, as follows--from in October, 1776, three months; from in September, 1777, three months; from in April, 1781, a little more than one month.
After the Revolution the soldier moved to Brunswick County, Virginia, where he lived about seven years, then to Mecklenburg County, Virginia, where he lived about fourteen years, and thence to Trigg County, Kentucky.
Balaam Ezell was allowed pension on his application executed September 17, 1832, then a resident of Trigg County, Kentucky.
There is no reference to wife or children.
Very truly yours
A. D. MILLER Assistant to Administrator

January 20, 1932
Mrs. Charles Dobbs 2850- 20th Street Ensley, Alabama.
BA-J/AWF
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter relative to Balaam Ezell, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data furnished herein are obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 31016, based upon the military service of Balaam Ezell during the Revolutionary War.
He was born October 7, 1756 in Sussex County, Virginia.
He enlisted, while residing in said Sussex County, and served as private in Captain Gray Judkins' company of Virginia troops, as follows-
From sometime in October 1776, three months; from sometime in September 1777, three months; and from sometime in April 1781, about one month.
After the Revolution he moved to Brunswick County, Virginia, where he lived seven years, then to Mecklenburg County, Virginia, where he lived about fourteen years, and thence to Trigg County, Kentucky.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 17, 1832, then a resident of Trigg County, Kentucky.
There are no data as to his family.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section.
Acc 3
February 1, 1928
A. B. Windham 701 Jackson Bldg Birmingham, Ala.
Sir:
I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 31016, it appears that Balaam Ezell was born October 7, 1756 in Sussex County, Virginia.
While residing in said Sussex County, he enlisted and served in Captain Gray Judkins' Com- pany of Virginia Troops, as follows-
From in October 1776, three months; from in September 1777, three months; and from in April 1781, about one month.
after Rev. moved to Bruns - Va. 79 m. & then - Va. 1474 - 1781
He was allowed pension on his application exe- cuted September 17, 1832, while a resident of Trigg County, Kentucky.
There are no family data.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

KEY PITTMAN, NEV., CHAIRMAN JOSEPH T. ROBINSON, ARK. WILLIAM E. BORAH, IDAHO PAT HARRISON, MISS. HIRAM W. JOHNSON, CALIF. WALTER F. GEORGE, GA. ARTHUR CAPPER, KANS. HUGO L. BLACK, ALA. DAVID A. REED, PA. ROBERT F. WAGNER, N.Y. SIMEON D. FESS, OHIO TOM CONNALLY, TEX. ROBERT M. LA FOLLETTE, JR., WIS. J. HAMILTON LEWIS, ILL. ARTHUR H. VANDENBERG, MICH. NATHAN C. BACHMAN, TENN. ARTHUR R. ROBINSON, IND. ELBERT D. THOMAS, UTAH FREDERICK VAN NUYS, IND. F. RYAN DUFFY, WIS. JAMES P. POPE, IDAHO
HENRIK SHIPSTEAD, MINN.
EDWARD J. TRENWITH, CLERK
United States Senate
COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS
April 19, 1933
Veterans Administration, Revolutionary and 1812 wars Division, Washington, D. C.
Dear sirs:
I am enclosing a letter from Miss Betty Ezell of Boise, Idaho, who desires to trace the record of some of her ancestors. Will you kindly give the matter your attention and advise me, returning Miss Ezell's letter for my files.
Very respectfully,
W. E. Borah

288 Montford Ave Asheville, N.C.
Director of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:- I am trying to trace the history of my family (Ezell) during the Revolutionary War in order to join the Daughters of the American Revolution. My grand-father was Eln Ezell, my great grand-father was Abel Ezell and my great great grand-father was William Scott Ezell. That is as far back as I can trace. The Ezells came from Union District, South Carolina. Spartanburg is in that District. Please inform me as to the war record of William Scott Ezell, or any Ezell who might have fought in the Revolution. I have been told that Mason + Louis Ezells came from France to fight under Lafayette for American Independence and also one John Ezell who fought in a Virginia Regiment. Don't know how true this is, please investigate and give parents. Can you give me the name of any person who has joined on an Ezell line so that I can get in touch with them and find their number? Any information you have will be greatly appreciated. Enclosed is a stamped envelope.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Otis Green 288 Montford Ave, Asheville, N.C.

2850 - 20 th St.
Gayles, Ala Aug. 5, 1931
Commissioner of Pensions -
Will you please send me at once the complete record of Balaam Ezell (Eppell) who served in the Revolution ary war and was still living in 1840 in Fridg County Kentucky at that time drawing a pension - I want his birthplace and date of birth - parents names and all information of him you have - I want this information for family records - Thanking you
Very respectfully Mrs. Charles Dobb

THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 393 SEVENTH AVE., NEW YORK
W. A. DAY, PRESIDENT
G. T. SIBLEY & SON, GENERAL AGENTS 701-705 JACKSON BLDG. BIRMINGHAM, ALA.
BIRMINGHAM July 2, 1927.
Pension Bureau, Department of Interior, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
Can you give me any information concerning Able, Thomas and Balaam Ezell who were brothers and who served in the Revolutionary War?
I have record of pension granted to Balaam Ezell in Trigg County, Kentucky in 1840. At the time of the Revolution, these three brothers were living in Virginia, in Brunswick, Sussex or Isle of Wight Counties.
What I am endeavoring to ascertain is, were these three, sons of Amasa Ezell and grandsons of George Ezell, who lived in Isle of Wight County, Virginia in 1714?
Any information you can give me concerning them or reference to anyone who can give information, will be deeply appreciated.
Very truly yours,
A handwritten signature in dark ink, appearing to read "A. B. Windham". The signature is stylized with a large, sweeping flourish on the "W" and a long horizontal line extending from the end of the name.
A. B. Windham, 701 - Jackson Bldg., Birmingham, Alabama.

31016 Reay INVALID.
File No. 31016
Balaam Ezell Rev War
Act: June 1 st 82
Index:—Vol. 9 , Page 129
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1928-Feb. 1-Hist to A. B. Windham ans . 1932-Jan 20-Hist to Mrs. Charles Dobbs ans 1933-Mch. 13-hist to Mrs Cattie Breen ans . 1933-Apr. 25-Hist to Senator Boah for Betty Ezell ans . 1939-May 6-hist to Mrs. H. A. Pulliam-see her letter in Joel Colhoun w. 8576. ans

We, Joseph Johnston, a clergyman residing in the County of Trigg in the state of Kentucky, and Thomas Kendrick , a citizen, and resident of said County, do hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Patsam Ezell who had subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration; that we believe him to be near Seventy six years of age; that he is respected and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Given under their hands and seals this 17th day of September 1832.
Sworn, and subscribed this day and year aforesaid. 3
Joseph Johnston Thomas Kendrick
Sub. Patsam Ezell
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Joseph Johnston who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the County of Trigg aforesaid and that Thomas Kendrick who has also signed the same is also a resident of said County of Trigg, and is a creditable person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. Given under my hand as clerk and presiding justice of said Court, in the Court, this said 17th day of September 1832.
W. L. [Signature]
Commonwealth of Kentucky Trigg County) ss.
William [Signature], Clerk of the County Court for the County of Trigg aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Patsam Ezell for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office of said Trigg County Court, at Office in Paducah this 17th day of September, 1832, and in the 41st year of the Commonwealth.
W. L. [Signature] - C. Lee

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
Galaa m Ezell further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes
V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? yes
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

 XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? yes  XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?  XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? yes  XIV. †If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?  XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?  XVI. ‡Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes  XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 7. not answered 
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
¶ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.